Government Revises Wheat Stock Limits to Ensure Food Security

In a move aimed at ensuring food security and curbing hoarding, the Government of India has revised the wheat stock limits for traders, wholesalers, and big chain retailers across all states and union territories.

The decision, which comes as a response to rising wheat prices, is part of the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, issued on June 12, 2023, and will remain in effect until March 31, 2024.

The revised wheat stock limits are as follows:

• Traders/Wholesalers: 2000 metric tonnes (MT)

• Big Chain Retailers: 10 MT for each outlet and 2000 MT at all their depots

For other categories, there are no changes to the existing stock limits. To ensure compliance, all entities engaged in wheat stocking are required to register on the Wheat Stock Limit Portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update their stock positions every Friday. Failure to register or violating the stock limits will result in punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Entities exceeding the prescribed stock limits must reduce their stocks to the specified limits within 30 days of the notification's issuance. Both Central and State Government officials will closely monitor the enforcement of these limits to prevent any artificial scarcity of wheat in the country.

This measure is a part of the government's commitment to maintaining food security and preventing market irregularities in the essential commodities sector.